The vehicle seat includes an integral child carrier that deploys and unfolds for use as either a child seat or an infant cradle for safely transporting infants while being conveniently stowed when not in use. The child carrier includes a folding seat/cradle that in certain embodiments doubles as both an upright child seat and reclined infant cradle. The folding seat/cradle rides on its own carrier sub-frame that is mounted to the main seat back frame. The carrier sub-frame allows the seat/cradle movement between a stowed position where the folded seat/cradle lies flat within or against the seat back frame and a deployed position where the unfolded seat/cradle extends outward from the seat back frame. The carrier sub-frame includes one or more slide rails, slide blocks, a linkage member and a latch assembly. The seat/cradle includes a seat panel hinged to a back panel that unfold to form a secure seat or cradle from a flat stowed package.
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2. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the seat/cradle is in the first position and the seat panel is in the folded position when the child carrier is in the stowed position.
A vehicle seat system is designed to integrate a child carrier into a vehicle seat, providing a compact and secure storage solution. The system includes a seat/cradle mechanism that can transition between a deployed position for use and a stowed position for storage. In the stowed position, the seat/cradle is positioned in a first configuration, and a seat panel is folded to minimize space occupancy. The child carrier is securely held within the seat/cradle when stowed, ensuring it remains fixed and protected during vehicle movement. The seat panel, when folded, aligns with the seat/cradle to create a streamlined profile, reducing interference with other vehicle components or passengers. This design allows the child carrier to be easily accessed and deployed when needed while maintaining a low-profile storage state when not in use. The system enhances vehicle interior organization by providing a dedicated, space-efficient storage solution for child carriers, addressing the challenge of bulky, unsecured items in the vehicle.
3. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the seat/cradle is in the first position and the seat panel is in the unfolded position when the child carrier is in the deployed position to carry the child in an upright position, the seat/cradle is in the second position and the seat panel is in the unfolded position when the child carrier is in the deployed position to carry the child in a reclined position.
A vehicle seat system is designed to securely carry a child in both upright and reclined positions. The system includes a child carrier with a seat/cradle and a seat panel. The seat/cradle can move between a first position and a second position, while the seat panel can fold and unfold. When the child carrier is deployed to carry the child upright, the seat/cradle is in the first position and the seat panel is unfolded. When the child carrier is deployed to carry the child reclined, the seat/cradle moves to the second position while the seat panel remains unfolded. This adjustable design ensures proper support and comfort for the child in different seating positions. The system may also include additional features, such as a base or attachment mechanisms, to securely mount the child carrier within a vehicle. The seat/cradle and seat panel work together to provide stability and ergonomic support, accommodating the child's posture in both upright and reclined configurations. The design prioritizes safety and adaptability, allowing caregivers to easily transition between seating positions as needed.
4. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the seat/cradle includes a latch mechanism for locking the back panel in the folded position and the unfolded position.
This invention relates to a vehicle seat designed to improve passenger safety and comfort, particularly for child passengers. The seat includes a back panel that can be adjusted between a folded and an unfolded position to accommodate different seating configurations. The back panel is connected to a seat cradle, which provides structural support. The seat cradle includes a latch mechanism that secures the back panel in both the folded and unfolded positions, ensuring stability during use. The latch mechanism prevents unintended movement of the back panel, enhancing safety. The seat may also include additional features such as a headrest, side panels, and a seat belt system to further improve passenger protection. The design allows for easy reconfiguration of the seat while maintaining structural integrity and safety compliance. The latch mechanism ensures that the back panel remains securely locked in place, reducing the risk of failure during vehicle operation. This invention addresses the need for versatile, safe, and user-friendly vehicle seating solutions, particularly for child passengers.
5. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the seat/cradle includes a latch mechanism for locking the seat/cradle in the first position and the second position.
A vehicle seat system includes a seat or cradle that can be adjusted between at least two distinct positions, such as a first position for seating and a second position for cradling or reclining. The seat/cradle is designed to securely hold a passenger, particularly in a vehicle, and may be used in applications like child safety seats, medical transport seats, or ergonomic seating. The adjustment mechanism allows the seat/cradle to transition smoothly between positions while maintaining stability and support. The seat/cradle incorporates a latch mechanism that locks the seat/cradle in both the first and second positions. This ensures that the seat remains fixed in the desired position during use, preventing unintended movement or shifting. The latch mechanism may include mechanical components such as hooks, levers, or locking pins that engage with corresponding structures in the seat frame or base. The design ensures that the seat/cradle remains secure in both positions, enhancing safety and usability. The latch mechanism may also include a release feature to allow manual adjustment between positions when needed. This system is particularly useful in environments where seat stability is critical, such as during vehicle motion or when securing a passenger for medical or safety reasons.
6. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the seat/cradle has an insert covering the back panel and the seat panel.
A vehicle seat system includes a seat and cradle assembly designed to improve occupant comfort and support. The seat and cradle structure features a back panel and a seat panel, both of which are covered by an insert. This insert enhances ergonomics by providing additional cushioning and contouring to the seat and backrest surfaces. The insert may be made from materials such as foam, gel, or other supportive substances to distribute pressure evenly and reduce fatigue during prolonged seating. The design ensures that the insert securely attaches to both the back and seat panels, maintaining alignment and stability. This configuration improves seating comfort, reduces motion transfer, and enhances overall occupant support in vehicles. The system may also include additional features such as adjustable lumbar support or ventilation to further optimize comfort. The insert can be removable for easy cleaning or replacement, ensuring long-term usability. This design addresses the need for improved seating comfort in vehicles, particularly for long-distance travel or frequent use.
7. The vehicle seat of claim 1 and a first safety belt system adapted for securing an adult within the vehicle seat and operatively mounted to the seat base and seat back, the child carrier also includes a second safety belt system adapted for securing a child within the child carrier and operatively mounted to the seat/cradle.
This invention relates to a vehicle seat designed to accommodate both an adult and a child simultaneously. The seat includes a seat base and a seat back, forming a primary seating structure for an adult occupant. A first safety belt system is integrated into the seat base and seat back to secure the adult in place during vehicle operation. Additionally, the seat incorporates a child carrier, which may function as a cradle or a seating structure for a child. The child carrier is equipped with a second safety belt system specifically designed to secure the child within the carrier. This dual-belt system ensures that both the adult and the child are safely restrained independently, addressing the need for a versatile seating solution that enhances passenger safety in vehicles. The design allows for the simultaneous transport of an adult and a child while maintaining proper restraint for each occupant, reducing the risk of injury in the event of a collision or sudden stop. The child carrier may be detachable or fixed, depending on the specific configuration, but in all cases, it includes its own dedicated safety belt system to ensure child safety. This invention is particularly useful in family vehicles where both adult and child passengers require secure seating arrangements.
8. The vehicle seat of claim 7 wherein the second safety belt system is operatively independent and separate of the first safety belt system.
A vehicle seat includes a seat structure with a first safety belt system and a second safety belt system. The first safety belt system is integrated into the seat structure and is designed to secure an occupant in the seat. The second safety belt system is also integrated into the seat structure but is operatively independent and separate from the first system, meaning it functions independently without relying on the first system for operation. This dual-belt configuration allows for enhanced occupant restraint, particularly in scenarios where additional safety measures are needed, such as in high-impact collisions or for securing multiple occupants in a single seat. The independent operation ensures that the failure or malfunction of one system does not compromise the functionality of the other, improving overall safety. The seat structure may include mechanisms to adjust the position or tension of the belts, ensuring proper fit and restraint for different occupants. This design is particularly useful in vehicles where additional restraint systems are required beyond standard seat belts, such as in specialized or high-performance vehicles.
9. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the child carrier is spaced over the seat base when the child carrier is in the deployed position.
This invention relates to a vehicle seat with an integrated child carrier system designed to improve safety and convenience for transporting children. The system addresses the problem of bulky, separate child seats that are difficult to install and remove from vehicles. The vehicle seat includes a seat base and a child carrier that can be moved between a deployed position for carrying a child and a stowed position for compact storage. In the deployed position, the child carrier is spaced above the seat base, allowing the child to be securely positioned without interfering with the vehicle seat's primary function. The child carrier may include safety features such as harnesses or restraints to ensure the child's security during travel. The seat base may also incorporate mechanisms to lock the child carrier in place when deployed, preventing unintended movement. The design allows for easy transition between carrying a child and stowing the carrier, reducing clutter in the vehicle. The system may also include adjustable components to accommodate different child sizes or seating preferences. This integrated approach simplifies child transportation by eliminating the need for separate, standalone child seats while maintaining safety and functionality.
10. The vehicle seat of claim 9 wherein the seat back has an interior seat back cavity, the child carrier mounted within the seat back cavity for movement to the deployed position forward of the seat back.
A vehicle seat is designed to integrate a child carrier within its structure, specifically within an interior cavity of the seat back. The child carrier is mounted in this cavity and can be moved to a deployed position forward of the seat back, allowing it to be used while the vehicle is in motion. The seat back cavity provides a secure and concealed storage space for the child carrier when not in use, ensuring it remains protected and out of the way. The child carrier is designed to be easily accessible and adjustable, allowing it to be positioned in a way that accommodates the child comfortably and safely. This integration reduces the need for additional space within the vehicle and provides a convenient solution for transporting children, particularly in situations where a separate car seat would be cumbersome or impractical. The system ensures that the child carrier remains stable and secure during vehicle movement, minimizing the risk of injury or discomfort. The design also allows for easy installation and removal of the child carrier, making it a versatile and user-friendly solution for vehicle occupants.
11. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the sub-frame extends from the backside of the seat back.
A vehicle seat includes a sub-frame that extends from the backside of the seat back. The sub-frame is designed to support additional components or structures, such as a headrest, lumbar support, or other seat-mounted accessories. The sub-frame may be integrated into the seat back or attached as a separate structure, providing structural reinforcement and mounting points. The seat back itself is part of a larger seat assembly that includes a seat cushion and a frame supporting the seat cushion and seat back. The sub-frame enhances the seat's functionality by allowing for modular attachments, improving ergonomics, or increasing load-bearing capacity. This design is particularly useful in vehicles where additional support or customization is needed, such as in commercial or specialized seating applications. The sub-frame may be adjustable or fixed, depending on the intended use, and can be made from materials like metal, composite, or reinforced plastic to ensure durability and strength. The overall seat structure is optimized for comfort, safety, and adaptability, addressing the need for versatile seating solutions in modern vehicles.
13. The child carrier of claim 12 wherein the seat/cradle is in the first position and the seat panel is in the folded position when the child carrier is in the stowed position.
A child carrier system is designed to provide a compact, portable solution for transporting infants or young children. The system includes a seat or cradle that can be adjusted between multiple positions, including a first position for carrying a child and a stowed position for storage or transport. The seat or cradle is connected to a frame or support structure that allows for height and angle adjustments to accommodate different user needs. The seat panel, which forms part of the seating surface, can be folded to reduce the overall size of the carrier when not in use. In the stowed position, the seat or cradle is positioned in the first carrying position, and the seat panel is folded to minimize the footprint, making it easier to store or transport the carrier. This design ensures that the carrier remains stable and secure while providing flexibility in use and storage. The system may also include additional features such as adjustable straps, padding, or safety mechanisms to enhance comfort and safety for both the child and the user. The compact stowed configuration allows the carrier to be easily stored in small spaces or carried alongside other items.
14. The child carrier of claim 12 wherein the seat/cradle in the first position and the seat panel is in the unfolded position when the child carrier is in the deployed position to carry the child in an upright position, the seat/cradle is in the second position and the seat panel is in the unfolded position when the child carrier is in the deployed position to carry the child in a reclined position.
A child carrier system is designed to provide adjustable seating positions for carrying a child, addressing the need for versatile support in different postures. The carrier includes a seat/cradle mechanism that can be positioned in at least two distinct configurations: a first position for upright seating and a second position for reclined seating. The seat/cradle is integrated with a seat panel that can unfold to support the child in either position. When the carrier is deployed for upright carrying, the seat/cradle is in the first position, and the seat panel is unfolded to maintain the child in an upright posture. Alternatively, when the carrier is deployed for reclined carrying, the seat/cradle shifts to the second position, while the seat panel remains unfolded to accommodate the reclined posture. The system ensures stability and comfort by dynamically adjusting the seating structure based on the desired carrying position, eliminating the need for separate components or manual reconfiguration. This design simplifies use while enhancing ergonomics for both the child and the caregiver.
15. The child carrier of claim 12 wherein the seat/cradle includes a latch mechanism for locking the back panel in the folded position and the unfolded position.
A child carrier system includes a seat or cradle designed to support a child, with an adjustable back panel that can be moved between a folded position and an unfolded position. The back panel is connected to the seat or cradle via a hinge or similar mechanism, allowing it to be repositioned as needed. The seat or cradle incorporates a latch mechanism that secures the back panel in both the folded and unfolded positions. This latch ensures stability and prevents unintended movement of the back panel during use. The latch may include interlocking components, such as hooks, clips, or sliding locks, that engage when the back panel is in the desired position. The system may also include additional features, such as padding, straps, or adjustable supports, to enhance comfort and functionality. The latch mechanism is designed to be easily operable by a user, allowing quick adjustments between the folded and unfolded configurations. This design improves usability and safety by ensuring the back panel remains securely in place during transport or when the child is seated.
16. The child carrier of claim 12 wherein the seat/cradle includes a latch mechanism for locking the seat/cradle in the first position and the second position.
17. The child carrier of claim 12 wherein the seat/cradle has an insert covering the back panel and the seat panel.
A child carrier is designed to securely hold and support a child during transport. The carrier includes a seat or cradle structure that provides a stable seating surface for the child. The seat or cradle has an insert that covers both the back panel and the seat panel. This insert enhances comfort, durability, and hygiene by providing a removable and washable layer. The insert may be made of soft, padded material to cushion the child and reduce pressure points. It can also include breathable fabrics to improve airflow and prevent overheating. The insert may be secured to the seat or cradle using fasteners such as zippers, snaps, or hook-and-loop closures, allowing for easy attachment and removal. The insert may also feature adjustable straps or elastic bands to ensure a snug fit. The design ensures that the child remains comfortable and supported while being carried, and the removable insert allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. The carrier may be worn by an adult or attached to a stroller or other support structure.
18. The child carrier of claim 12 wherein the child carrier also includes a safety belt system adapted for securing a child within the child carrier and operatively mounted to the seat/cradle.
This invention relates to a child carrier designed to safely transport and secure a child, particularly in a vehicle. The child carrier includes a seat or cradle structure that provides a stable seating position for the child. A key feature is the integration of a safety belt system specifically adapted to secure the child within the carrier. The safety belt system is operatively mounted to the seat or cradle, ensuring proper restraint during use. The design ensures that the child remains securely positioned, reducing the risk of injury in the event of sudden stops or collisions. The safety belt system may include adjustable straps or harnesses to accommodate different child sizes and provide a snug, secure fit. The carrier may also incorporate additional safety features, such as padding or energy-absorbing materials, to enhance comfort and protection. The overall structure is designed to be compatible with vehicle seating systems, allowing for easy installation and secure attachment to prevent movement during travel. This invention addresses the need for a reliable, child-specific restraint system that integrates seamlessly with the carrier's seating structure to maximize safety and convenience.
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October 30, 2019
May 28, 2024
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